Back into Wales for the fifth time this year, and the mysterious village of Churchstoke. I thought it sounded familiar, but I’d never been before, so I looked up those population stats that Duncan loves so much. I think we should be told more about the statistically improbable male/female balance. In fact, Churchstoke is familiar… Continue reading CHURCHSTOKE – OPEN ALL HOURS
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LUDLOW – A JOULE WITHIN A JEWEL
Definitely one for Pub Curmudgeon next, as I dive into Ludlow, Queen of the Marches and default daytrip for the Kidderminster pashmina set. I arrived in the drizzle, which tends to get pashminas wet, so the town wasn’t quite as hectic as on previous visits, though of course older Dads will insist on dragging… Continue reading LUDLOW – A JOULE WITHIN A JEWEL
PONTFAEN’S DYFFRYN ARMS STANDS DEFIANT
Just back from Cardigan with many tales to tell, but for now I’ll just answer Dave’s question about the Dyffryn Arms, one of our classic, basic, unspoilt pubs. YES, it’s (just) back open after the fire this year, Dave. And as great as ever. My first visit since that 33rd birthday trip I mentioned recently.… Continue reading PONTFAEN’S DYFFRYN ARMS STANDS DEFIANT
A HEADS UP
No post for a whole day?! I must be dead? Or bored of blogging? No, merely tied up on a world tour of West Wales with Duncan, the Pubmeister. Drinking gin at midnight in Bangor like a Fiddler’s Dram roadie. And my mouse batteries have died. Anyway, here’s some things to look forward to in… Continue reading A HEADS UP
BRITANNIA (2)
You left me at the Spoons in Blackheath, contemplating my next step. A quick look at WhatPub revealed a second Britannia, this one the local Cider Pub of the Year. AND in Rowley Regis, where I’d never been before. Two Britannias 12 minutes apart in the same town (virtually). Now there’s an opportunity for… Continue reading BRITANNIA (2)
THE GREAT SPOONS TABLE MOVERS OF BLACKHEATH
No, not that Blackheath. The one in the West Midlands with the identity crisis. Blackheath is a town in Rowley Regis area of Sandwell, says Wiki. Got big capital letters and all, so it must be a proper place. Bet the residents support West Brom. I’ve been to a couple of pubs on the A4034… Continue reading THE GREAT SPOONS TABLE MOVERS OF BLACKHEATH
SUCCUMBING TO CARLING IN THE DESI PUB
“That’s not Carling !” I can hear the pedants shout. But I bet Peter Allen, South Birmingham Carling Drinker of the Year 1996, spotted it, presented in misleading glassware aiming to cash in on Coors sudden popularity amongst hipsters. I’m surprised my faithful army of pedants didn’t jump in to shout “Oi, you’re in Tipton,… Continue reading SUCCUMBING TO CARLING IN THE DESI PUB
A TOBY CARVERY IN DUDLEY
Next up, a few days in Dudley with Mrs RM, making an overdue return to this blog. Hang on, I’ve only just got back from finishing Dudley and the West Midlands. Poor planning, Mrs RM. Anyway, no new GBG pubs, so I have to content myself with a few painful train journeys and some very… Continue reading A TOBY CARVERY IN DUDLEY
“A PROPER PUB, NOT A HIPSTER BAR”. FLORIAN THE PSYCHOLOGIST LOVES THE JOLLY ANGLER
You left Mrs RM and I outside Mr Thomas’s Chop House, one of the few central Manchester pubs I’ve neglected to visit over 30 years of pubbing here. And I still can’t tell you if the beer there is better than in Wales, as the luxurious interior was a sea of reserved tables. Another time.… Continue reading “A PROPER PUB, NOT A HIPSTER BAR”. FLORIAN THE PSYCHOLOGIST LOVES THE JOLLY ANGLER
MAGYARS, MANCS & CONDENSED MILK
More holiday snaps from Manchester. It really is a treat to visit when you’re not a bag of nerves. Worth remembering is that this blog is basically a diary, like Pepys without the lechery (that’s BRAPA) so you occasionally get posts without pubs. NO, you can’t have your subscription back. Sunday evening after that quick… Continue reading MAGYARS, MANCS & CONDENSED MILK
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